Wigwam project gives exchange students chance to learn more about region, each other

Monday

Apr 28, 2008 at 12:01 AMApr 28, 2008 at 12:41 AM

Fifteen teens from all over the world built a wigwam out of willow branches Saturday in the wetlands at Woodland View Farm. The teens, who are living with area host families through the International Student Exchange program, spent the weekend at the 300-acre centennial farm north of Knoxville to bond with each other and to learn a bit more about the history of the region where they are living.

Jane Carlson

Latin dance music blared from a mini-van’s speakers while 15 teens from all over the world built a wigwam out of willow branches Saturday in the wetlands at Woodland View Farm.

The teens, who are living with area host families through the International Student Exchange program, spent the weekend at the 300-acre centennial farm north of Knoxville to bond with each other and to learn a bit more about the history of the region where they are living, according to John Heck of Galesburg, regional adviser for the program.

“It’s an opportunity to work together and play together,” said Heck, who arranges several outings just for exchange students throughout the year.

Brad and Betsy Larson, owners of the farm, converted it from a grain and livestock operation to a boarding stable in 2003. The Larsons also have restored farmland to wetlands on the property. They helped cut willow branches for the group Saturday afternoon, then turned the project over to Heck and the students.

“How many of you have ever had your hands around a shovel?” Heck asked the students, who spent several hours stripping branches, digging holes and tying and weaving branches to create the structure.

In addition to building the wigwam — which is expected to become a permanent part of the wetlands tours offered by Woodland View Farm — the students rode horses, camped out in the wetlands and cooked their food over a fire.

Marta DiCarlo, 17, an exchange student from Rome, staying with Suzanne Feldman and her family in Monmouth, said she appreciated the opportunity to spend time with other exchange students. The students were from South Korea, Venezuela, Colombia, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Switzerland, Thailand and Germany.

“For us it’s important to be together because we share the same problems and the same thoughts,” DiCarlo said.

Feldman has been hosting exchange students for the last three years and served as a chaperone for the overnight trip to Woodland View Farm. She said getting the exchange students together helps improve their experience in the United States.

“The biggest thing is, these kids are all friends,” Feldman said. “It’s good for them also to get away from the towns and cities. Some of them have never camped or ridden horses.”